Manchester United are ready to reimburse season ticket holders if the rest of the campaign is cancelled or played behind closed doors – at a cost of up to £ 6million.
The coronavirus pandemic has seen English football shut down until at least April , with no guarantee the season will even resume then and be played to a conclusion.
Even if the season is completed, games are likely to be played behind closed doors for health and safety reasons, leaving thousands of season ticket holders out of pocket for matches they will not attend.
Against that backdrop, United officials are in talks with the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST), aimed at finding a satisfactory resolution to the issue for both parties.
United have pledged to reimburse season ticket holders if games go behind closed doors (Image: REUTERS)
United have four Premier League games left at Old Trafford this season, with around , season ticket holders at every fixture, at a total overall cost of around £ 1.5m per match – £ 6m in all.
Discussions are ongoing between United and fan groups, with a resolution expected in the coming weeks and reimbursement for games not played – or played behind closed doors – one option.
A United spokesman said: “In light of the disruption caused by coronavirus, the club Is reviewing dates, policies and procedures around season ticket renewals for next season, along with the administrative processes should games that are currently postponed, be either cancelled or played behind closed doors. We are consulting with MUST as part of that review.
“We would like to thank fans for their patience while we work through the uncertainties around timing of forthcoming games, With an aim of ensuring that fans are treated fairly.
“We look forward to the resumption of football when we are advised it is safe and appropriate. In the meantime our priority remains the health of fans, players, staff, and our wider communities.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID – 32, as well as those fighting in the front line against this virus on behalf of all of us, and we urge all our fans to continue following Government advice. ”
MUST issued a statement which read: “We are in discussion with Manchester United regarding season ticket renewals and related issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic.
“ We are raising issues below but would like feedback from Season Ticket holders to make sure we are covering all the important matters arising. “
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